About This Bonnie Beanie Pattern
This pattern creates a soft, striped baby beanie worked in continuous rounds using Baby DK prints from Paintbox Yarns. It includes size options for 0–3 up to 18–24 months and instructions for a neat ribbed brim and pom pom finish. The pattern is written using US terminology with UK equivalents noted, making it easy to follow for most crocheters.
Includes a gauge, materials list and step-by-step rounds for all sizes. Perfect for using self-striping DK yarn to produce pretty color changes without switching colors manually.
Why You'll Love This Bonnie Beanie Pattern
I absolutely love this pattern because it makes a simple, beautiful hat that looks much more complicated than it is. The Baby DK prints do the colorwork for you, so you get a charming striped effect with minimal effort. I enjoy how quick the hat works up — you can make one in an afternoon and gift it the same day. The ribbed brim and pom pom give the finished beanie a polished, professional look that I am proud to give to friends and family.
Switch Things Up
I love changing the look of this beanie by swapping the Paintbox Baby DK Prints for a solid or tonal DK — the pom pom really helps personalize the hat.
I often use a slightly larger hook and bulky yarn to make an oversized, slouchier version that is wonderfully cozy for older children.
I sometimes work the brim in a contrasting color and pick up stitches for the brim using an alternative border like crab stitch or reverse single crochet for a neat edge.
I like to knit a small lining from soft cotton to add extra warmth and comfort for baby, sewing it in before attaching the pom pom.
Try substituting the pom pom for a tassel or a crocheted flower for a different decorative finish — small attachments can change the hat’s style completely.
To make a matching set, crochet booties or a little scarf using the same yarn and ribbing technique from the brim.
I sometimes embroider a tiny heart or initial on the brim to personalize the hat as a gift — simple embroidery stitches add a sweet detail.
If you want a snugger fit, work one or two fewer rounds before starting the brim, checking the hat against the intended recipient as you go.
Experiment with color placement by adding a single contrasting round or two between increase rounds for a striped crown effect.
I recommend making a test pom pom in different sizes to see what scale looks best on your size beanie before permanently attaching it.
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
✗ Skipping the stitch marker at the end of each round can make it hard to track your rounds; place a marker in the last stitch and move it up as you work to maintain accurate stitch counts.
✗ Working with inconsistent tension causes an uneven hat shape and irregular stitch size; maintain even, relaxed tension throughout and check gauge before starting the crown.
✗ Not counting increases during the crown rounds will lead to missing or extra stitches later; count each round after completing the increases to confirm the correct stitch total.
✗ Failing to read the size-specific instructions can result in the wrong number of rounds worked; follow the separate size sections carefully and work the exact rounds listed for your chosen size.
✗ Fastening off before joining the brim will make it difficult to create a neat ribbed join; do not fasten off the hat body and follow the brim instructions without cutting the yarn.
✗ Joining the brim incorrectly (wrong side vs right side) can leave the brim siting awkwardly; follow the directions to turn and work at right angles to the hat body and join on the wrong side as instructed.
